Quote from Alex bobby on June 24, 2025, 3:36 AM

China Urges Global Unity to Prevent Crisis in Strait of Hormuz Amid Growing Tensions

China has issued a strong call for the international community to join forces in easing rising tensions in the Persian Gulf, particularly surrounding the vital Strait of Hormuz, as fears mount over a possible Iranian blockade. The Chinese appeal follows increasing threats from Tehran and a direct plea from the United States for Beijing to use its influence with Iran to prevent a potential global crisis.

During a press briefing in Beijing on Monday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasised that the Persian Gulf and adjacent waters are critical for international trade—especially in energy—and must remain secure for the sake of global economic stability.

"Keeping the region safe and stable serves the common interests of the international community," Guo stated. “China calls on all nations to intensify diplomatic efforts, promote dialogue, and prevent regional turmoil from escalating into a broader conflict.”

Rising Tensions Over the Strait

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is one of the world’s most important trade chokepoints. Roughly 20% of global oil passes through it, making any disruption a serious threat to international energy markets.

Tensions escalated dramatically over the weekend after Iranian state media reported that Iran’s parliament had endorsed a proposal to close the Strait in retaliation for recent U.S. airstrikes on suspected nuclear sites in Iran. While the final decision rests with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the parliamentary vote has raised alarm bells across global capitals.

U.S. Pressures China to Step In

In a Sunday interview on Fox News, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio directly called on China to intervene.

“I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them about that, because they heavily depend on the Straits of Hormuz for their oil,” Rubio said, emphasising China’s economic reliance on uninterrupted Middle Eastern oil supplies.

China remains Iran’s largest oil customer and one of its few strong diplomatic partners. This gives Beijing a unique position of influence over Tehran, though Chinese foreign policy traditionally avoids overt interventions in third-party conflicts.

Still, the pressure from Washington reflects a growing recognition that global powers, not just regional actors, will play a decisive role in what happens next in the Persian Gulf.

The European Perspective

European leaders have also voiced concerns. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas warned that any move to close the Strait would be “very dangerous and not good for anyone.” Speaking ahead of a Brussels meeting with EU foreign ministers, Kallas stressed the potential for wide-ranging fallout, including military conflict and economic turmoil.

Security analysts are equally concerned. Claude Moniquet, a former French intelligence officer, told Euronews that Iran could respond to ongoing conflict with cyberattacks, missile strikes, and even terrorist operations on European soil. He warned that closing the Strait of Hormuz would be “a disaster for Europe.”

Real-World Consequences of a Blockade

Iran has several options if it decides to follow through on threats to block the Strait. These include:

• Surface-to-surface missile strikes targeting tankers, ports, and oil infrastructure.
• Drone assaults—particularly using Shahed models—to disable key shipping lanes or terminals.
• Naval blockades using warships to physically close off access.
• Cyberattacks on port systems or oil company networks, similar to Iran’s 2012 attack on Saudi Aramco.

The economic ripple effects would be immediate and severe:

• Energy security risks would rise sharply, with oil prices potentially spiking to unsustainable levels.
• Shipping insurance costs could soar, raising prices for European and Asian imports and exports.
• Delays in raw material and electronics shipments would disrupt supply chains and strain manufacturers.
• Consumer prices could increase, adding new pressure to inflation-hit economies, especially in Europe.

China’s Balancing Act

China's call for diplomatic de-escalation reflects its tightrope walk in the Middle East. While Beijing has deep economic ties with Iran, it also relies heavily on oil that passes through the Strait of Hormuz from countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Moreover, China has growing trade and infrastructure investments across the region under its Belt and Road Initiative.

Beijing’s strategy appears to focus on encouraging multilateral dialogue without appearing to take sides. Guo Jiakun reiterated that China supports “peaceful solutions and mutual respect” while declining to confirm whether Chinese diplomats had spoken directly with their Iranian counterparts on the issue.

The Road Ahead

As the threat of a blockade looms, all eyes will be on diplomatic channels to find a resolution. The UK, EU, Gulf nations, and Asian economies like Japan and South Korea have vested interests in preventing a crisis that could derail global energy markets and economic recovery.

Meanwhile, international institutions such as the United Nations and the International Maritime Organisation may be called upon to mediate or at least facilitate talks to keep the Strait open.

For now, China’s call for global cooperation may be one of the few calm voices in an increasingly volatile environment. Whether this call leads to real action—or simply delays the inevitable—is a question the world can ill afford to ignore.

Conclusion

The growing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have underscored how fragile global energy security and trade stability can be in times of geopolitical crisis. Iran’s threat to block the vital waterway has alarmed world powers, with the United States urging China to step in and help prevent a catastrophe. China’s measured response—calling for international cooperation and regional stability—reflects both its strategic interests and its preference for diplomacy over confrontation.

As the world watches closely, the need for de-escalation is urgent. A closure of the Strait would not only disrupt oil flows and shipping lanes but could also spark wider military conflict and economic turmoil—especially for Europe and Asia. The situation demands swift, coordinated international action. Whether major powers like China, the U.S., and the EU can put aside rivalries to ensure the Strait remains open will determine the path forward: stability through diplomacy, or a dangerous slide into global disruption.

Meta Description:
China urges international efforts to de-escalate tensions over the Strait of Hormuz after U.S. calls for Beijing to pressure Iran. Closure of the vital waterway could trigger global economic shockwaves.